Galatians 3:15-18

Brothers, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say "and to seeds," meaning many people, but "and to your seed," meaning one person, who is Christ. What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise.

(v15-17, NIV)

The passages referenced are Gen. 12:7; 13:15; 24:7. This may have been the next point brought up by the Jewish Christians. Since Paul is making a case for faith, they may object questioning whether the promise of God to Abraham still holds. God made a promise, and they believed it was their assurance of salvation and justification. They believed it put them above the Gentiles. Now, in Romans Paul talks about advantages that Jews have over Greeks, but in this respect we realize that all are saved by grace through faith. This new covenant allows Gentiles into the saving grace given by God.

Paul tries to use a human example to show them that this is not a contradiction. The human example is how the covenants that even humans make are not meant to be simply set aside or added to. In the same way, God's new covenant does not alter or set aside his old one. This is because the old covenant was fulfilled through Jesus. Jesus is the offspring mentioned in the initial promise. It is through Jesus that this covenant is fulfilled.

For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.

(v18, NIV)

The Jews initially thought it was a promise to them. This is why Paul brought up the point that the word "offspring" is singular and not plural. However, another reason why it does not make sense is because it isn't a promise according to their way of thinking. If this is a promise to all of Abraham's offspring, then it requires that they all receive the promise otherwise it is no longer a promise; it becomes a broken promise. They also thought that it was through the law that they receive this promise. However, if the promise is directed towards all of them and they had to follow the law in order to receive it, the promise is again a broken promise. Nobody can fulfill the law in its entirety. Those who attempt to fulfill the law fail. Everyone has sinned. Therefore, they fail follow the law and nobody can receive the promise.

1 Corinthians 15:33

Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."

(v33, NIV)

Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals."

(v33, NASB)

Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals."

(v33, ESV)

Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?

(1 Corinthians 5:6, ESV)

Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.

(James 1:16, ESV)

This verse is found in a section where Paul is speaking against those who do not believe in the resurrection of the dead. 1 Corinthians 5:6 and James 1:16 are both referenced when looking at 1 Corinthians 15:33. In 1 Corinthians 5, there is a sexually immoral man among them. However, they aren't doing anything about it. This thinking has become a little bit of leaven. If they allow this to remain among them, this thinking will leaven the entire lump. This idea and teaching and immorality will spread throughout as yeast works through the entire dough. Therefore, they should rid themselves of this immediately so that it doesn't spread.

This now leads me to think about a story Greg was telling which I particularly liked. I will try to do it justice. There was a man who had a disagreement with his daughter, and the daughter was trying to justify a white lie. It's the type of brushing it off as such a small thing that she used as an excuse for it being okay. However, argument was over without much resolution. The daughter's birthday happened to be approaching and the father baked a cake for her. When he presented her with the cake he said that there was a tiny piece of poo-poo in the cake. However, he tried to justify it by saying that it was a small thing and that it wasn't a big deal. Of course he had done it on purpose in order to prove a point. The daughter did not eat the cake. Somewhat similar to the yeast analogy, the small piece of poo affected the entire cake. We need to ensure that in or lives or in our communities or in our churches that we do not allow this sort of thing.

The only reason why I know this verse is because Voddie Bauchan quotes it in the 722 Love and Marriage sermon series. He uses it as a counter-point to people who try to justify dating and/or marrying a non-Christian. Or maybe it was more specifically against people who were using the attempt to convert their non-Christian boyfriend or girlfriend as justification for dating them. Regardless, his point was that their "bad company" will corrupt your "good morals".

I believe this happens all the time all too often to us without us even realizing it. I am reminded of a recent buzz about how some people are saying things against Mark Driscoll's sermons and sermon style. In Mark Driscoll's defence, I've heard a number of people say that they find nothing wrong with his sermons. I am not trying to say anything for either side of this debate. However, do you think it's possible that for those who do not see anything wrong with his sermons, that maybe it's because we have been corrupted in a sense? Maybe we have been corrupted because of our culture or the people we hang out with or the entertainment we watch. Some may still disagree. However, do you think that if he were a pastor preaching the exact same sermon to an "average" (actually, I'm not quite sure what I mean by average, maybe what I really mean is to ask you to go along with this without trying to contradict me on this area trying to think of a weird corner-case) church 100 years ago, would most of them agree that there's nothing wrong with what he's saying? From what I've heard and read, he is theologically sound. He is beast in that respect. My point is that maybe we are being drawn in by the way of this world little by little without even noticing it. We are being corrupted.

I bring this up because I am very much convicted of this. I am being corrupted without even realizing. You may think that you're safe among whoever you feel safe with. However, even those people you must be careful of. We are all sinners. Be careful of yourself too. We deceive ourselves.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

(James 1:22, NIV)

This is not an excuse to put blame of your own sin on others. Sure, others may cause you to sin, but your own sinful actions make you the sinner. Whether you were deceived or not, you still committed the crime.

I do not have an answer other than to be aware. We are instructed in 1 Corinthians 5 to purge the evil person from among us. 1 Corinthians 15:34 following verse 33 instructs us to be sober-minded and to stop sinning. In Ephesians 4 verse 14, Paul talks about no longer being carried along by every wind of doctrine. Preceding this verse, the Paul talks about unity in the Spirit and building up the body. Afterwards talks about speaking the truth in love and in all things to grow up to Christ. There are a lot of teachings and the Word that God has given us is so full and rich with teaching.

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

(Ephesians 4:1, NIV)

Ephesians 4 - Driscoll Vs MacArthur

I think this issue is all over the world now. But if we think about it, it would be a good lesson for all of us, because similar issue always happen not only between Driscoll and MacArthur, but also between and within our own fellowship and church. True?

A few question to ask ourself while dealing with similar issues:

1. Are we speaking the truth in love? not only the love to God, but also the love to your neighbors. Sometimes you think you are speaking the truth in love of God, but you are actually deceiving yourself.

2. Whatever we do, does it reaches unity in the faith and in the knowledge of Christ and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Those two points are addressed in Ephesians 4. This is what I learn from today bible study with some fellow =)

Still

Hide me now
Under Your wings
Cover me
Within Your mighty hand

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father you are King over the flood
I will be still and know You are God

Find rest my soul
In Christ alone
Know His power
In quietness and trust

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father You are king over the flood
I will be still and know You are God
(Psalms 46)

in the mist of good times am I blind? Blind to see God in the mist of are everyday life. Be still and know God is there. I sacrifice so much to forget to realized God wants me instead. God I am not the best person but my heart say "i want you, I need you, my purpose found in you". Beyond my desire to serve You, You remind me, be still and know You are God.

Galatians 3:13-14

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree."

(v13, NIV)

We were cursed for following the law. However, before Christ, we didn't have anything other than the law. By having his son die on the cross for our sins, he made a way for us to be justified by faith. Thus, we are redeemed from the curse of the law. What's interesting is that the way Jesus redeems us from the curse is by becoming a curse for us. This quote Paul uses to show that Jesus becomes cursed for us is from Deuteronomy 21:23.

He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

(v14, NIV)

As we'll see in the next section, the promise to Abraham referred to Jesus. Through his sacrifice and direction of the promise to him, we are able to receive blessing through Jesus. Everyone including the Gentiles now have a chance to receive the promise from the Spirit. This is how it is, this is how it works. It's even amazing that there is a way, so let us trust God and put our faith in him. Let us live by faith and by God's grace be justified by faith.

Joshua 1 - Be Strong and Courageous

A few reminders when becoming the leader in the kingdom of God, and the key to successful: 1. Be strong and courageous, 2. Obey God 3. Trust in Him

1. Understand that whatever we have, such as time, money, or talents, are all given by God. Reminder we are saved also because of grace. We want to inherit this kind of love to others.

"Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them."

(Joshua 1:6)

2. Be very careful on everything we do. Make sure it is according and obeying God and ALL His commands. Meditate His word day and night, every moment, so that all we do will NOT be againsting Him. This is the key of success.

"Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."

(Joshua 1:7,8)

3. Remember be strong and courageous in all situations and this is an ORDER from God. Why? Because this is the act of trusting in Him.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

(Joshua 1:9)

Galatians 3:10-12

All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law."

(v10, NIV)

Paul continues to show why it is by faith that we are justified, and how you should not seek to be justified by the law. There were many people seeking to be justified by the law. Even today, there are many people who seek to be justified by the law. Just look around you, ask a few probing questions and you'll find what people are really seeking to do. I find in this North American culture that the overwhelming theme is that all you need to do is be "good". Even among Christians and in the Christian churches you'll find people like that. I'm not saying everybody, but it amazes me how many people believe that, and it amazes me to find prominent people in the church believing and teaching that. This actually randomly makes me think of another thing.

Though they know God's decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.

(Romans 1:32, ESV)

This passage is found among a long length of verses talking about these evildoers. These people exchange the glory of God for a lie (Romans 1:25). It's sad, but what's worse is that here in verse 32, it says they give approval to those who practice them.

Anyway, looking back to Galatians chapter 3, Paul is quoting Deuteronomy 27:26. Here it says that those who don't do everything in the Law are cursed. Paul is speaking to these Jewish Christians who believe that it is through the law that we are justified. However, even if they abide by the law, you and I both know that as we seek to be "good" and not sin, we always mess up. Nobody is perfect. We all sin and in our attempts to be "good", we all screw it up eventually.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

(Romans 3:23, NIV)

They already know that everybody falls short of the glory of God. They know that they can't perfectly keep the law. One way or another, they'll slip up. At the very least, there has to have been some point in their life where they did slip. Thus, they are cursed because they did not follow everything in the Law. How can they be justified if they did not follow it perfectly and are therefore cursed?

Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, "The righteous will live by faith."

(v11, NIV)

Paul brings to the table another quote from the Old Testament. Paul is firing these quotes at them non-stop and continues to build upon his case. His case is clearly supported in this quote of Habakkuk 2:4.

The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, "The man who does these things will live by them."

(v12, NIV)

Now, these who Paul is speaking to may object. Or at the very least, they'll argue against his point saying that they are living by faith. They may say that by following the law they are living by faith. That could make sense, couldn't it? It takes faith to believe that these laws are given to us by God. It takes faith to believe that these laws are correct and we should follow them. However, Paul shoots another Old Testament verse at them in light of their objection. This quote from Leviticus 18:5 shuts down their objection. They want to say that by following the law they are living by faith. However, this verse shows that by following the law, they are living by the law.

was off for a few days

Hey Bros
This whole week I am in right now is a mod week. Where I have just one course for a whole week. So there like of class time throughout the whole day. I think I started form 9 and end to 4. So It quite intense.
I nearly forgot about E-Blog. When we are caught up in busy in life or even have to much fun in life we sometimes forget the most important thing in life. drawing close to God.
I really had a great day my class is Foundation of Youth ministry, and I am loving it. But I am reminded once again about drawing close to God and even more in the good times.
"Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise."
James 5:13
I think God calls us to even draw closer with him in the happy times more!

I did my devotion today and instead of reading 2 peter(the book I am doing for devo) I was moved to passage in proverbs
this passage really soak me in

My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,

for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you prosperity.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.

Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.

This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.

Honor the LORD with your wealth,
with the first fruits of all your crops;

then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.

Proverb 3:1-10

Galatians 3:6-9

Consider Abraham: "He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham.

(v6-7, NIV)

Abraham followed the path of faith. For Abraham, it was through faith that he was justified. Those Jewish Christians probably prided themselves in the fact that they were Jews and descendents of Abraham. However, in their foolishness they didn't even realize that Abraham was justified by faith. If Abraham who they were boasting in was justified by faith, and they were seeking justification by the law, they aren't really following Abraham. Those who live by faith are actually those who are children of Abraham.

The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: "All nations will be blessed through you." So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

(v8-9, NIV)

God knew before and all along that the Gentiles would be justified by faith. Through the Scripture, which is God-breathed (2 Tim 3:16), we can see that even way back then it was known that the Gentiles would receive justification by faith. Not only do they receive justification, but they are blessed along with Abraham. They share in his blessing. They share in the blessing of the man of faith.

Deuteronomy 34

This is the end of all the wandering in the desert for 40 years for Israelites, and God fulfill His promises.

It is the matter of time, but in the end God will still do what He promises. God is unchanging in the pass, present and future because in God there is no time. For human, if we humble and let go controlling of time, our whole life will set free, truly free. Trust in God's timing.

Moses was blesses because he at least could see the promise land with his own eyes. "no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, who did all those miraculous signs and wonders the LORD sent him to do in Egypt" (Deuteronomy 34: 10). What if within our life time, we won't see His promises with our eyes, do we still trust? That's a good question.

Galatians 3:4-6

Have you suffered so much for nothing—if it really was for nothing?

(v4, NIV)

Those at the church in Galatia probably had suffered. Maybe individually or maybe as a group there was suffering. The suffering was probably linked to their supposed following Jesus. However, if it isn't really Jesus who they are following, then their suffering was for nothing. If they are trying to attain salvation through the law, then they simply don't get it. However, we don't know and Paul doesn't know whether they truly are saved or not. The ending question to this verse seems to point that there is a possibility that it was for nothing and there is a possibility that it wasn't for nothing.

Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?

(v5, NIV)

Paul asked previously if it was by faith or by works that the Spirit was given. He also brought up the point that they began in the Spirit, making their current walking in the flesh seem somewhat counter-intuitive. This verse 5 is similar to in verse 2 when Paul asks whether they received the Spirit by works or by faith. However, the focus is not only on us who receive, but he who gives. Why or how does he give it to us? Does he give it to us by faith or by works?

Consider Abraham: "He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."

(v6, NIV)

Remember, Paul is particularly speaking against Jewish Christians. These Jewish Christians should know the Old Testament and know about Abraham. Paul uses Abraham and shows them that even Abraham was not on this works method, but on the faith method. Abraham himself believed, and thus he did not attain justification by works.

Galatians 3:1-3

You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.

(v1, NIV)

They apparently do not understand that it is not by works of the law that we are justified, but by faith in Jesus.

I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"

(Galatians 2:21, NIV)

This is the preceding verse. If it is through the law that righteousness is attained, Jesus' death is for nothing. The fact that they cannot see this Paul can only attribute it to some odd form of bewilderment or bewitching that has come upon them. They really must have missed it if it was shown to them or they even saw for themselves Jesus crucified.

I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard?

(v2, NIV)

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,

(Ephesians 1:13, NIV)

set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

(2 Corinthians 1:22, NIV)

The Holy Spirit is God's down payment on us. This seal of approval is our assurance or proof of purchase. In it we have a mark of a true Christian. Paul poses a simple question, did they receive the spirit through the law or through faith? They should already know the answer. Nobody works hard or does any sort of law abiding that grants them the Holy Spirit. It is simply given to them by God through faith.

Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?

(v3, NIV)

The Spirit was given to them through faith and the Spirit is a sign of a true Christian and it also marks the beginning of their new life with Jesus. However, now they believe that it is through following the law that they are justified. So, somehow they began with faith, but have since changed to living by the law. It is true that we as Christians should try to follow the law.

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?

(Romans 6:1-2, NIV)

Clearly, being saved by grace does not give us a free pass to go about sinning. However, we have to understand that it is not what justifies us. It is through faith. However, at the same time, it is through faith that leads to love that leads to obedience. As pastor Calvin at CCCO was saying in his sermon, you can obey someone without loving them, but you cannot love them without obeying them.

If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

(John 14:15, ESV)

Galatians 2:21

I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"

(v21, NIV)

We have to remember that Paul is speaking to Jews. However, these aren't just Jews, but Jews who are now followers of Jesus. Since they were brought up as Jews, they have also brought in the culture and idea that you are justified by works. Following the law is how they were brought up and they feel it necessary for salvation. So, these Jewish Christians are the ones who Paul is directing or rather responding to. Paul continues to assert that it is not by following the law that we are justified, but it is by faith in Jesus that we are justified.

The real heart of the issue or lasting strike Paul delivers is this last point. If it is only through the law that we are justified, Jesus' sacrifice was for nothing. If all we have to do is follow the law, then we don't need Jesus. Therefore, his death on the cross meant nothing. If these Jews are in fact followers of Jesus, how can they follow Jesus if their actions leave no room for Jesus? It doesn't make sense. We are followers of Jesus and we should act as such. We need him and to live as if we don't proves that we are not his followers.

Galatians 2:18-20

If I rebuild what I destroyed, I prove that I am a lawbreaker.

(v18, NIV)

Paul tore down the idea that people are justified by works. As he has previously stated, it is through faith in Jesus that anybody is saved. However, it simply doesn't make sense if he simply goes back to what he previously tore down. He is a transgressor or a lawbreaker in doing so. If he re-establishes the law that he tore down, he becomes a lawbreaker.

For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

(v19-20, NIV)

The law has its purposes. It is through the law that Paul dies to the law. The law is used as a preliminary step to living for God. Paul was a Jew of the Jews. However, in your attempts to justify yourself through the law, you may realize that you cannot do it. But then God reveals to you that the way is through faith in Jesus. Instead, Jesus lives in you. You cannot do this if you're the one driving; allowing Jesus to drive is the only way. Paul was crucified, but he wasn't physically crucified with Christ. This is in the sense that we share in Jesus' experience of crucifixion. Not only his sufferings, but we also share in his new life. The life lived is lived through Jesus.

Jesus paid for us by dying for us. He loved us and gave himself for us. All to him I owe. This life is not mine, but has been purchased by his sacrifice. Therefore, this life that is not our own should be lived for him. We should desire to live for him. It's like when someone gives you a gift, you feel like you owe them something. You may understand that it's a gift and you don't have to pay for it, but you may feel like you should treat him for dinner sometime or get that person a gift in return. Though, we could never pay God back, this is the way I feel and we should live our lives for Him.

Now, I'm not saying that we have to pay for it. It is a gift of God. Gift meaning we don't have to pay for it. Maybe it would be better explained as from the joy you have in receiving such an awesome gift, your outpouring of joy and love is directed in your life living for him.

I have to Worship!

O LORD, our Lord,how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your gloryabove the heavens.

From the lips of children and infantsyou have ordained praise because of your enemies,to silence the foe and the avenger.

When I consider your heavens,the work of your fingers,the moon and the stars,which you have set in place,

what is man that you are mindful of him,the son of man that you care for him?

You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings [c]and crowned him with glory and honor.

You made him ruler over the works of your hands;you put everything under his feet:

all flocks and herds,and the beasts of the field,

the birds of the air,and the fish of the sea,all that swim the paths of the seas.

O LORD, our Lord,how majestic is your name in all the earth!

(Psalm 8)

Galatians 2:17

"If, while we seek to be justified in Christ, it becomes evident that we ourselves are sinners, does that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not!

(v17, NIV)

Paul is directly opposing the Jewish mentality that you can be justified by works. Clearly, you cannot and it is only through faith in Jesus. However, in hearing this Gospel that Paul is preaching, the Jews would obviously find a lot of problems with that. By the way, there aren't any problems with it, but rather, they would quickly question the teaching.

These Jews might go to the extreme and think Paul is teaching that everyone should just go about sinning. It's a common response, if we are saved by grace, then why don't we go sin all we want.

know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.

(v16, NIV)

Do not bring your servant into judgment,

for no one living is righteous before you.

(Psalm 143:2, NIV)

The point that Paul makes about not being justified is apparently taken from Psalms 143:2 according to a commentary I read. Regardless, scripture reveals that observing the law does not justify a man.

It is only through faith in Jesus that we can be justified. While we are following Jesus, we will realize that we are still sinners. Following Jesus doesn't make you perfect. Following Jesus doesn't make your life perfect all of a sudden. Everybody is a sinner. If the followers of Jesus are sinners, does that make Jesus a teacher or promoter of sin? Paul clearly states that this is not the case. Absolutely not! Those who follow Jesus and those who do not follow Jesus are sinners. Finding sinners among those who follow Jesus proves nothing. I could understand that if nobody was a sinner and then all of a sudden, all of those who were followers of Jesus became sinners, there might be a correlation. However, this is not the case.

I am Back!!

Hey all I finish mid terms! After doing like a lot essaying and reading for like 5days straight, I feel relive. I think I learn a lot form these pass 5 days of persevering and the quality of of doing work.

Today in Chapel I reminded of a message I heard long time ago. If you were given 84000 dollars only to spend for a day, you can save it, just spend it. And every day you 84000 will be renew everyday. How will you spend it?
I know how i would spend it. Paying of my college debt!
But the reality is were given 84000 seconds in one day. how will we use our time, and what is worth wild using our time? The Jesus answer would be do your devotions longer!
But really, is quality measure by quantity? If I did devotion longer that will equate how more spiritual I am?
During the pass 5 days I really wanted to do well in my classes but I took quantity over the quality. I wanted to get everything done and get high marks. But one of the days of work just really stop me. On Tuesday Briercrest had a day of prayer. Hours of nothing but praying and praising to God for 8hours. A first I was going to skip it because I have so much work to do but instead I came to day of prayer with the intent knowing I am not going to finish everything. But instead day of prayer brought peace and restoration in me. I learn that our time on this earth is really valuable and often the busyness and miss direction in our lives pulls us away from reality. I was so into my studies that I forgot to breath and take in consideration where I am. I am here in a bible college desiring to go ministry and desiring to God make an impacted in my life and the life at others. All that i am studying are good things and cant be rush. After that day of prayer I manage to finish everything before mid-term. PRAISE GOD!
Back to the 86400 sec thing. How will spend my day today. Being fed by God and living for him.

(watch this video it has nothing to do of what I said but it came from day of prayer)

Galatians 2:15-16

"We who are Jews by birth and not 'Gentile sinners'

(v15, NIV)

Apparently Paul lists a distinction here between Jews and Gentiles. Gentiles are labelled as sinners. Paul knows that everyone is a sinner, but perhaps he is labelling it here in accordance with the view that is common among Jews.

know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.

(v16, NIV)

These Jews who are distinguished between Gentile sinners know that justification does not come from observing the law. If they do not know, then they should know that at least. He is probably not speaking simply to Jews, but Jews who have come to accept the gospel of Christ. This fact Paul is speaking about is true and he could address everyone about it, but the Jews were the ones that had this particular problem. They had become legalists in their thinking and have veered from the truth of the gospel.

The only way to be justified is to be justified by faith in Christ. Putting your faith in Christ is exactly what Paul does.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.

(Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV)

Now, this doesn't mean that works aren't important.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

(Ephesians 2:10, ESV)

This follows Ephesians 2:8-9, highlighting that we are created for good works.

So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

(James 2:17, ESV)

Even though we are saved by grace through faith, it's dead without works.

For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, for the doers of the law who will be justified.

(Romans 2:13, ESV)

Notice that it is not the doing of the law that justifies. However, only those who are doers of the law will be justified. I heard a sermon on this and maybe I'll relay that information on another post someday.

Crazy Love -- Chapter1

If we really understand the awesomeness of God and if we REALLY understand how Jesus have die for us on the cross, unconditionally, for our sin, that we don't even deserved. Shouldn't we will just go all in our life for God, give all my heart and time, money, and talent to God, to response His great love to us?

Yes, for us, we are supposed to love and fear God, but then why would we sometimes say "Lord, teach us to love you", or "Lord, draw me close to you"?????! Isn't it easy to love a God because He is just so amazing?

The reason why we often forget to put God into our first place in our life because we took God in granted; and also because we are distracted from different things on earth.

The question for myself is that, what is the things that I have took granted from God? And what are the things on earth distracted me from God the most?

Some thought after reading the first chapter of Crazy Love.

Galatians 2:13-14

The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.

(v13, NIV)

Not only was Peter in the wrong, but also the Jews. Peter was actually the one who had initially caused the others to follow him in this hypocrisy. Paul is even surprised that Barnabas has fallen into this trap. Barnabas had accompanied Paul on some of his missionary journeys, so he knew him well enough to be surprised by his actions. One interesting thing I heard in a sermon recently was that you never sin alone. The passage for the sermon was about Abraham and when he asked his wife Sarah to lie, saying that she is his sister. By doing this, Abraham caused not only himself to sin, but dragged others in as well.

When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter in front of them all, "You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?

(v14, NIV)

Paul uses the truth of the gospel as his reference point. This measuring stick is compared to this act Peter is doing. If it does not line up, then Peter is in the wrong. We should live in such a way that our lives line up with the truth of the gospel. If it does not, we are running in vain. Paul presented his gospel to ensure that he had it right. The gospel is what he was living by, and if he didn't even have that correct then all is in vain (Gal 2:2). The gospel has the power to save. Get it right, and then make sure you live by it.

Peter was wrong because his actions reveal that he believes that there still exists inequality. Jews are somehow better than the gentiles. They are in fact so different that he cannot even eat with them. This clearly goes against the nature of the gospel. The gospel places both Jews and Gentiles on level ground. This is in the sense that the saving power of the gospel is available for both Jews and Gentiles.

A commentary suggests Paul's words to be paraphrased in this manner: "if you, the one of the sacred, live secularly, and not sacredly, how do you suppose to have the secular become sacred?" (Baker Commentary on the Bible). Peter's actions show that he is secular and not in fact sacred. However, in his preaching to the Gentiles, he is in a sense asking them to become sacred when they are in fact secular. This doesn't make sense. Peter's actions do not line up and clearly he is in the wrong.

Just Stop and Think

I started to realize that I need to stop. I need to stop trying to be busy; I need to stop trying to feel good about what I have done; I need to stop pretending to be a "good" Christian; I need to stop comparing myself to other people; I need to stop criticizing others.

When I learn to stop, and just try to imagine that I stand in front of God, compare to His awesomeness, and compare to His standard of life, I started to realize that how small I am, and how sinful I am, and how unworthily I am that God has saved me, and send His only son and died for my sin. I started to REALLY realize that God is love, and He loves me.

Lord, may your holy spirit remind me always about your greatness to me, and your love to me. How could i live my life like normal, if I truly know how much you love me. How could I not be humble, if I truly surrender to your awesomeness. How could I be criticism if I truly knowing that we need to work together and help each other to grow.

I know there is a long long long journey for me to learn, but I am fulled with joy again because I am satisfied in You. I started to realize that life is amazing.

"Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love."

1 Corinthians 13:13

Galatians 2:11-12

When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong.

(v11, NIV)

Paul apposed Peter to his face. This is straight up no beating around the bush or being half hearted about it. There is something to be done and Paul is not afraid of doing it. Unfortunately, I find myself often afraid of confronting other about things. It's easy to get afraid and never end up doing it. However, we need to confront others if we see a problem. Hopefully your recognition of their wrongdoing is based upon biblical truth and discernment from God. But it seems that Paul doesn't go beating around the bush either. He just up and does it without fear or regret. It also seems as though he doesn't wait. Sometimes I want to wait and not confront them right away. Somehow I believe waiting will make it better. It is true that maybe I am misinterpreting. However, I believe if we confront with proper intentions, we don't need to wait. Confronting a close brother or sister may simply clear the confusion if you were wrong in thinking they were doing something wrong.

Before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group.

(v12, NIV)

Peter was eating with the Gentiles and seemed to have no problem doing so. However, when other prominent Jews came, he ate with them. Now, there isn't really anything wrong for this in itself. You may even think that there's nothing wrong since you can argue that people are free to eat with whoever they want and maybe Paul hadn't seen those Jews for a while and wanted to catch up with them during the meals. However, the problem is that Peter was afraid being seen by them to be eating with those who were uncircumcised. This reveals a segregation and distinction between the groups of circumcised and uncircumcised. However, Jesus died for both the Jew and the Gentiles, so there should be no segregation among the body of Christ.

Deuteronomy 28-31

The passage talks about how we will be blessed if we obey the Lord and follow his command, but we will be cursed if we worship other gods, gods of wood and stone.

Through the story of Israelites, we learn the human faith cycle to God.

At first the Israelites were brought out from Egypt by God, but yet they didn't trust in God, then God tested their faith for 40 years in the desert. After all the wandering, finally they understood that God is the faithful and holy one, then they finally arrived the promise land from God, in a painful way. But then once they were blessed by the giving from God, they turned their heart into other gods, gods of woods and stones. Then they were cursed by God by disobeying His laws. And then we repented. And God put His mercy on us again, and blessed us to those who obey Him.

When do we ever learn?! This is a question that are often asked by Moses, and even Jesus. Do we really need to see His goodness through the painful way? Do we really need to go through all this?

I think we are all sinner after all, and this is the consequences of sin, even though we are forgiven. Man has to work hard on earth and woman has to go through pain on giving birth. As human, we cannot escape from painful experience, yet, we will go through those pain with joy, because we forget what is behind, and straining toward what is ahead, which is His kingdom come.

May your will be done. Amen

Galatians 2:6-10

As for those who seemed to be important—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not judge by external appearance—those men added nothing to my message.

(v6, NIV)

Paul presented the gospel he was going to present to those who seemed important. This was a means of testing to ensure that he was not running in vain. However, it seems like he realizes that someone may misinterpret what he said. Or rather, some may be led to assume incorrect things based upon what he just said. By his selectively going out to pick those who seemed important, it seems that it matters that they seemed important. Or rather, it matters that they seemed important according to God's standards. Paul quickly makes a point to say that what they seemed to be doesn't make a difference to him. This outward appearance that Paul is picking these people is not how they will be judged by God.

On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as Peter had been to the Jews. For God, who was at work in the ministry of Peter as an apostle to the Jews, was also at work in my ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles.

(v7-8, NIV)

Peter was entrusted with preaching to the Jews. Now, Paul is being entrusted with preaching to the gentiles. Now, this may not seems so amazing to us nowadays, but the fact that God's gospel is now available to the gentiles is actually a big deal. Throughout the Old Testament it shows how God chose the Jews and saved his people. One unfortunate thing was that the Jews prided themselves in this fact. Some of them even thought that they'd be saved based solely on the fact that they were Jews. It would be a stunning change of events to them to hear that God was saving the Gentiles. However, we continue to read in the New Testament of how the gospel of Jesus is for everyone, both Jews and Gentiles. Actually, we will read some of that near the end of Galatians.

James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews. All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.

(v9-10, NIV)

They end of asking Peter to remember the poor. However, even their reminder of him to do so was already upon Paul's heart. Back in the end of Chapter 1 Paul is explaining how this gospel he has received came directly from God. He did not receive any influence from anyone but God initially. However, in the beginning of Chapter 2 when he presents this gospel to those who seemed influential, they had nothing to add to it. This gospel he has received only from God has been made credible without them even adding to it. They didn't need to correct him on any matters. Even when they did suggest that he remember the poor, he already had that in mind. This is God's gospel, the one true gospel. Any other gospel is a false gospel. Any other gospel is a working of man and not God. Clearly, Paul is not at fault of this because he has received it directly and only from God.

Fireproof

Today, we watched "Fireproof" in the fellowship.

If I want to write something down about how I feel and what I learn after watching the movie, I think it has reminded me that God is faithful and always by my side even though sometimes I don't feel Him. I have learn that you will never give up on something that is good from the bible, just because it is hard to achieve, such as relationship, fellowship, or following the Lord.

When God has loved and try to get our heart back to Him over and over again, we have rejected Him over and over again. Yet God has never given up us, never. This is called love, the truth love that I should learn from.

When dealing with people on earth, which is the hardest thing to learn I think, comparing with engineering, I think I need to learn that it takes time, takes effort, and takes prayer to gain a friendship, and relationship.

Oh Lord, I want to learn how to love your people. I need to learn to lay myself down first.

The Love Dare from Mike Stecker on Vimeo.

"The Love Dare" book. Do I dare to put myself totally down, and look at people's need? By doing that, I will see God, because that's what God have done for us, and that's what the Lord has asked us to do it. Yet I don't do it because I need to, but because I want to. That is part of the response to his unfailing Love to us.

Do I dare? Yes I dare. I know it is easy to say, but hard to achieve, but through the Holy Spirit, I am all in. Lord, I know I am week, but I pray you will continue mode me, one step in a time, and then I will truly becoming fireproof, even I am surrounding the fire, dangerous, like the fashion of the world, and the false teaching from others.

Bee..I am thinking of you right now.

Galatians 2:3-5

Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek.

(v3, NIV)

The issue of circumcision is brought up a number of times throughout the New Testament. One of the main problems the early church had was that some of them were teaching that you needed to be circumcised in order to be saved. This is an incorrect teaching that is addressed when the issue of circumcision is brought up in the New Testament.

Greeks were part of the gentiles. If you didn't already know, the gentiles are everybody who is not a Jew. It anybody was a promoter of circumcision, it a Jew. This is because they were given the law and circumcision is taught in the law of the Old Testament.

Paul points out that Titus was not compelled to be circumcised. As Paul is presenting the gospel as a means to test himself to ensure he is not running in vain, I assume that Titus and Barnabas are also doing the same thing. Since some people in the early church were influenced by the teaching of circumcision, Paul was probably afraid that Titus thought it was necessary to be circumcised.

This matter arose because some false brothers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you.

(v4-5, NIV)

It is true that there exist false brothers among Christians. I'll bet that if you go into most any church and look hard enough, you can find at least one false brother. Take for example the parable of the weeds in Matthew 13. The weeds are sown among the wheat and it's hard to tell the wheat among the weeds. It is not until the harvest that they are separated. In the same way, there will be false brothers among us. However, it is hard to tell, so I don't think its right to go around calling people who for being a false brother. This is of course different from rebuking one another, but I digress.

These false brothers want to make them slaves. This is not in the sense that they are slavers and want them to become their slaves. Instead, they want them to become slaves of sin. These false brothers want to spread the teaching that circumcision is necessary for salvation or a similar teaching. This teaching is a gospel that is different from God's gospel and Paul knows this. Paul does not give into this false teaching so that he may be able to properly teach those he is going to spread the gospel to.

Galatians 2:1-2

Fourteen years later I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also. I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did this privately to those who seemed to be leaders, for fear that I was running or had run my race in vain.

(Galatians 2:1-2, NIV)

Paul describes his going on a missionary journey. It's not just him but also Barnabas and Titus. On this missionary Journey, Paul is going to be preaching the gospel to the Gentiles. However, before he does that, he wants to make sure that the gospel he is preaching is correct. In order to make sure, he presents it before those who seemed to be leaders to test it out. As he says, he doesn't want to have been running in vain.

It is a very wise thing for him to present it before others. When we have a speech to present, those of us who are smart will practice it a couple times at least before actually giving the speech. Now, not everybody gives speeches, but there are other things we practice before presenting. For example, you may have practiced driving a car in a parking lot or on some small streets before taking the on the road test to attain your driver's license. For us in Ontario, this may have been the G1 exit test or simply the G2 test. Maybe later you may have practiced a couple of times before tackling the full license test, which required highway driving. Regardless, in the same way that we practice or test things before presenting them, Paul tested his presentation of the Gospel. We should do the same thing as Paul did. Do you know the Gospel? You may answer with a bold "yes", but do you know it well enough to tell an unbeliever in a way they'd understand? Even if you thought you could, are you sure of every aspect what you would tell them? If God would score you on how well you presented his gospel, what mark would you receive? By this, I don't imply that anything you do will convince this person to believe in Jesus aside from the mere presenting of God's gospel. I don't mean to say that how good you look (if you're smoking hot or not) will win someone over to Christ (even though some of you may argue that it might).

For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

(1 Corinthians 1:17, ESV)

Paul didn't want to hinder the power of the gospel by his words. He knows the gospel can stand up for itself. In fact, its power is far greater than anything Paul could think or say or do. So, by God grading you I mean his grading upon the accuracy in which you were able to tell others about his gospel. You definitely do not want to get it wrong.

but even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.

(Galatians 1:8, ESV)

This is one of the tests you want to make sure you get right.

Paul also didn't want to be running in vain. If he were to present a gospel that was not God's gospel, he would be running in vain. All those who are preaching a different gospel are accursed as is mentioned in Galatians 1:8. Also, preaching a different gospel does not have the same power that the gospel of God has. Even though to others it may not seem so, it does have power.

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to use who are being saved it is the power of God.

(1 Corinthians 1:18, ESV)

Make sure you know God's gospel.

James will be going through a hard week

Just to let you know it will a stressful and busy week for me. I am preparing for mid terms and doing a lot of papers, but will keep on devo-ing it, just not blogging it. Pray for me as I endure a harsh week. -- Blessings and peace to u all

James

Deuteronomy -- What Exactly We Are Commanded?

``Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.``

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

No matter what the laws are, the first and the most important and the only command from God, really, is to ``Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength``. And the next one is to spread this message to your children, to your closest friends and family, to your neighborer, and to all your surrounding, whether at school, at work, on the street, in Canada, in China, or in Africa. This is exactly what Jesus, the son of God, teaches you as well.

``Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.``

Deuteronomy 8:2

When going through hard time in life, remember that trails are a test from God. It is `to test you in order to know what was in your heart`. The goal for the test is not to win the test, but going through all trails or tests, we got to unwrap the goodness of God a little more and little. But remember, God is a faithful God. Although the ultimate goal is not to get the prices from God, but by just being in the present of God, you are already satisfied in Him. Yet, this is something hard to understand.

``You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.

If you ever forget the LORD your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed. Like the nations the LORD destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the LORD your God.``

Deuteronomy 8:17-20

When going through fruitful time in life, keep remember that He is the one who brought us out of Egypt. There is nothing we can be proud of. The Lord gives and takes away. When we are fruitful, we should share with those who are thirty, whether they are thirty on bread, or thirty of the Holy Spirit. This is again the second command from the Lord and Jesus Christ.

Galatians 1:18-24

Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Peter and stayed with him fifteen days. I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord's brother. I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie. Later I went to Syria and Cilicia. I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ.

(v18-22, NIV)

Paul didn't have much contact with the other apostles. In the last paragraph he made the point about receiving God's gospel. As he began to follow Jesus, he did not have much influence from other Christians. This continues to show that Paul's knowledge and teaching of Jesus could only come directly from God. This is God's gospel and Paul was taught directly by God. Even after three years he only met with Paul and James.

They only heard the report: "The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy." And they praised God because of me.

(v23-24, NIV)

Those who heard and believed of Paul's conversion were amazed. Paul's conversion is incredible. How could a full out persecutor of the church end up being an all out follower of Jesus? It is only by God that this is possible. So, people rejoiced in this. It is only by God and Paul's teaching that he received was only by God. When we learn things we often learn through teaching we receive from others. May it be from a teacher in a classroom, or in a book someone wrote, a lot of what we learn comes from someone else. God is the one who reveals things to us as well.

these things God has revealed to use through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.

(1 Corinthians 2:10, ESV)

You can keep reading in that passage to learn more. God uses the Holy Spirit to teach and reveal things to us. It is by God and through God that we learn some of the things we learn.

Galatians 1:13-17

For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

(v13-14, NIV)

If you didn't already know, Paul was a major persecutor of Christians before his conversion. Paul approved of the death of Stephen in the end of Acts 7 and beginning of Acts 8. He was holding the coats of those who were stoning Stephen. In Philippians 3 Paul gives a set of impressive credentials. This makes his conversion all the more amazing. The fact that God could convert someone who is 100% going against God speaks worlds of truth about God. It's awesome to say the least.

But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.

(v15-17, NIV)

God is the one who knew even before he was born that Paul would be a faithful follower of Jesus. If you didn't know already, it is by grace we are called and it is by grace we have been saved (Eph 2:8-9). God didn't have to save us. We deserve death. God is ever so gracious to grace us with his saving call. He is also pleased to do so. He is the one who revealed Jesus to Paul.

God has a plan for each and every one of us. The plan is already set out before we are born. The plan God has for Paul has in it the purpose of preaching God among the gentiles. So that's what Paul did. If only all of us would be so willing to just go and do what God tells us. Paul doesn't even consult anyone about it. Though it is sometimes a wise thing to consult others about important matters, the most important thing you can do is to consult God. In fact, those who you consult should in the end be pointing you to God. By that I mean that their wisdom should come from God and thus they should be leading you in God's teaching. All the counsel you should receive is coming from God.

As servants of God I always envision us as pointers to God. Looking over a random crowd of people, the followers of Christ would be the ones who are pointing to God. They would stand out because those who do not point to God are pointing to all sorts of different things.

Paul tells us of how he did not consult any man. This further emphasizes how God centered he and his conversion are. God is the one who revealed it in him, God is the one who called him, and God is the one who sent Paul. There weren't any men in this part of the story. That also means there weren't any opportunities for him to be deceived by a different gospel.

Remember Your First Love of God?

Have been talking with one co-worker David for a while. These days he got to share a bit more about his life to me, and some of his struggle in life. He is not believer yet but he said it would be nice to believe in something like mine. I am glad that God is working on David through me. I prayed for him yesterday during our break, and I saw his tears. I told him I didn't know what to say to solve his problem, and I didn't understand neither, but then I said God wants him back to his arms, and He will help him. And then later today, I emailed him the following passages.

While I looked through the passages, it also reminded me the first love of Christ, and the reason why I still living is to share His love to others.

"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus."

(Ephesians 2:1-7)

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."

(Romans 5:1-11)

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen."

(1 Peter 5:6-11)

what to to look for in a lady

throughout this school year I been searching for what every guy dreams, the right girl. But after going through many searches and prayer I find myself not ready. Not ready to date. I find that God put me in area in my life asking where my heart will be, is it for Ministry or other things, and the enduring patients for me to wait. But at the mean time there an important fact what guys need to look for in a women of Christ. I know it seems oblivious but it good reminder and it in 1 peter 3:4-5 though it for wives I think same application can apply to single women.

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful.

Galatians 1:11-12

I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up.

(v11, NIV)

The gospel Paul preaches is not made up by man. There are all sorts of things that men make up. Of course there are all sorts of stories and creative things our imagination can think of. There are also all sorts of lies and fibs people think up to try to get them out of a pickle. More importantly, there are other types of religions or "gospels" that men make up. A few verses ago Paul is warning those at the church in Galatia about people who preach a different gospel. The distinction is that any of those other gospels are made up by men. Even when they take the true gospel of Christ and change it slightly, that is a working of man and not God.

I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

(v12, NIV)

What's interesting is that Paul did not receive the gospel from a person. Paul was preached to directly by Jesus himself. On the road to Damascus, as he was on his way to persecute Christians, Jesus appeared to him. Now Paul is working up to tell about his life before and after he was converted. Though Paul is converted directly through Jesus, this isn't how everyone is converted. By this I mean that us as Christians have a part to play in spreading the gospel to others, even though it wasn't someone like Peter or John who preached to Paul. I say this because sometimes the awesome work of God causes me to be lazy in thinking that I don't really have a part to play. I may take Paul's example and assume that everyone is converted without someone like me preaching to them. I may think that Jesus is going to speak directly to each of them without my help or any other Christian for that matter. However, this is an incorrect thinking. It is true that it can happen as it did with Paul. However, we still have a duty to spread the gospel.

At the same time, I must backtrack and acknowledge that God is the one who does the heavy lifting.

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.

(1 Corinthians 3:6-7, NIV)

God is the one who causes the growth. We still have to plant and we still have to water. However, without God, there would be no growth no matter how much we watered or planted.